Top Gifting Tips from The Family Diaries star, Billie Shepherd

Be prepared this Christmas with Billie Shepherd’s top gifting tips from how to gift the person who’s tricky to buy for, or what to do when you’ve forgotten someone on your list!

Billie was recently announced as Christmas Gifting Ambassador for Baylis & Harding, the first ever, and has launched her own Edit of beautiful Christmas gifts. Now Billie has released her best advice for gifting this festive season.

Make a list and check it twice….
“As with most people, my list of who I need to buy for seems to get longer every year whether it’s the kids’ teachers, friends, family – it can get overwhelming. The easiest thing to do is write up a list in advance and plan who’s getting what, alongside a budget of what you are happy to spend. Having it all in one place will help you feel more organised, and you can tick each one off the list when they’ve been purchased!”

Shop as much as you can online…
“I am normally more of a dasher, running around the shops last minute, but this year with a new house move and a new baby on the way, I’m definitely going to be a planner. A great way to get a head start is online shopping – it’s more convenient, you can shop around, and you will find more deals online than you will in store. You can get a lot of gifts sorted all in one go and you can avoid busy stores. My biggest tip would just be to check delivery dates, so you know they’ll arrive in time!”

Make it personal and think about fragrance
“I always think about what scents a person likes when it comes to choosing their present so you’re not just buying them any old gift set. You can usually judge this by the perfume or aftershave someone wears, or the products they have in their home.

“Take my mum for example, she’s always on the go, while always managing to remain glamourous. So, I like to think of a gift that allows her to unwind and relax yet still has a decadent touch. The Baylis & Harding Boudoire Rose fragrance in my Edit has the perfect floral scent in a range of relaxing bath soaks which I know mum will love.”

Save time and consider buying pre-wrapped gifts
“I love wrapping gifts for my loved ones, but a little hack I’ve learnt as a busy mum is choose something that is already packaged beautifully! That way, the hard work is already done for you and all you need to do is pop it straight under the tree. It honestly makes it so much easier and saves so much time. That’s what I love about Baylis & Harding, their gifts are so beautifully wrapped, that you can just pop them in a gift bag or box, and you’re sorted.”

Remember, a gift is not just for Christmas
“Giving people gifts is one of my favourite parts of Christmas, and I always like to try and gift something that I know someone can keep and cherish, something that will be useful, or something that can be used time and time again. It’s also nice to give gifts that you know could be put on display.

“I just love Baylis & Harding’s Light Up Crème Bath Bubbles Decanter, in my edit which comes in this gorgeous glass bottle which can be refilled with your favourite bubble bath and looks gorgeous on the side of any bath. I’m so much more conscious of giving gifts that I know will last beyond Christmas day and I know this is something that many others are mindful of too.”.

Have extra gifts on hand (just in case you forget someone!)
“No matter how much you plan, there’s always an unexpected guest or visitor over Christmas that you haven’t bought for. A great tip to avoid last minute panic buying is to get hold of a few extra stocking filler gifts in advance, that way no-one is left out.”

If in doubt about what to gift, go for something practical
“Greg is definitely the hardest to buy for in my family and he often gets left with gifts he’ll never use. If you’re unsure what to buy someone or what they will like, I always think it’s best to get them something you know they’ll use again and again, rather than a token gift that may not get touched after Christmas.

“Practical gifts like slippers or a quality washbag always go down well in my family, or sometimes it’s as simple as choosing a gift set with a fresh scent that they can use daily.”

Consider stocking fillers!
“The kids are usually the ones that get the most gifts at Christmas of course, as it’s such a magical time for them. While it’s amazing seeing them open any present, cute stocking fillers can be really special and they don’t cost the earth. Anything a bit fun and silly like dinosaurs and unicorns will go down well with the kids – especially Nelly and Arthur who love opening the smaller, more fun gifts on the day.”

Don’t forget about yourself!
“Obviously giving gifts at Christmas is what it’s all about, but I do think it’s nice to get yourself a little something too, or something for the home that makes you feel good about having guests round.

“I really love the build-up to Christmas, getting the house decorated and making sure everything is festive, so I do like to get myself a few special handwashes and hand lotions to put around the house. It’s just that extra finishing touch that makes the house feel really Christmassy.”